EU reaches deal to speed deportations with outside-EU return hubs

EU negotiators reached a deal to speed up deportations, allowing member states to send those ordered to leave to “return hubs” outside the bloc, with some provisions taking effect immediately and others after a year. The package includes stricter rules for security threats, potential home searches, longer detentions, entry bans and penalties for non-cooperation, drawing praise for restoring EU control but drawing sharp criticism from rights groups over risks to detainees and minors. The EU Council and Parliament still need to approve the measure.